Ten years ago today, I returned from my church mission in Colorado and Kansas. Though I have learned much since 2014, I grew more during those two years of service than any other time in my life.
My mission taught me about personal reliance on God. It taught me the importance of fostering healthy relationships—both in my community and within my own home. It taught me how to balance self-critique with self-compassion. It taught me that greater happiness can be found by getting outside of myself and helping others than through any personal accomplishment.
Furthermore, it provided me with excellent role models, spawned treasured friendships, and manifested consistent and undeniable proof of God’s love for me and His hand in my life.
It even inspired in part the young adult novel I published just a few months ago.
I’ll be forever grateful for my chance to serve in the Colorado Colorado Springs Mission!
The Commonplace Notebook 